Victor Arquette knows the meaning of sacrifice. Destined to legendary status in mixed martial arts, his life is founded on it. Dedication equals sacrifice, and sacrifice means around-the-clock training, no partying, no junk food, no alcohol - and no women.

Helena von Isenlohe is the heiress to Kyria Castle. Due to her father’s lack of financial prowess, the restoration of the ancient German estate rests on Helena’s shoulders. A failed attempt leaves a wealthy man alone at the altar - and the fleeing bride on a plane to the United States.

A chance meeting, and Victor and Helena’s chemistry is undeniable. Except, her presence clutters his focus. Victor shouldn’t crave their nights, shouldn’t be concerned where she is or with whom. And meanwhile in Germany, Kyria Castle deteriorates at a suspicious speed, indebting Helena further to the man she left behind.

Victor and Helena believe in duty. They embrace sacrifice. But when love strikes, it strikes hard, and sometimes you have to choose where your heart is truly at home.

Excerpt

Victor

I’d rather not mull over what’s going on right now.

The guys and I’ve been on a seven-day trip—five days in Munich working with a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu guru—and now I was just going to mosey on back home. Until this girl appeared out of nowhere, a wild dream in a flurry of white fluff and lace, breezing through security.

Disheveled and beautiful. Fairytale features and yellow hair flowing thick down her back. But what got me were the shoes in her hand. Until I bent and realized her feet were black with crap from the airport floor. She was mad and anxious and flustered. Oh hell, I couldn’t walk away.

Now we’re at another airport, and I still can’t walk away. On the flight here, I prodded more about her life than I’ve done with any girl before. It’s a risk to prod—the more you know, the more interesting they can get.

I guess I am mulling over what’s going on after all. Am I taking these chances because Maiko didn’t come along? Since her angina episode, she’s been avoiding abrupt ambience changes, which in my mother’s mind equals risks.

“The flight has been delayed overnight.” Keyon’s face is dark with annoyance.

“All right, I’m getting a hotel,” I mutter.

“The plane leaves at six in the morning.”

“Well, transit hotel then. I can’t stay in a pub for eight hours.”

Helena trails after me with her giant purse full of jewelry. She’s a freaking vision. “So there’s a hotel in the airport?”

“Yep. With the delays though, chances are everyone else will want a room. Better hurry.” I squint at her. “Are you doing it too?”

She huffs. “What, you think I want to loiter in the transit hall all night? Get drunk with the guys? Oh wait, Zeke will take good care of me. That’s right.”

I chuckle at that.

I was right. The lobby of the only hotel in the transit hall is packed with travelers. I’m sure I’m out of luck once it’s my turn, but the receptionist copies my documents and hands me a keycard. “Here you go, Mister. Enjoy your stay.”

I thank her and exchange a relieved look with Helena. “I’m in three-oh-seven if you want to grab a bite to eat.”

She’s got a pretty mouth. It widens now, in a smile. I grab my backpack, hike it up on a shoulder, and lumber toward the elevator.

“I’m sorry, Ma’am. We have full occupancy tonight,” the same receptionist I spoke with tells Helena.

“No way?” Helena says. “Please, I’ll take anything. I’m not picky.”

The receptionist shakes her head, repeating that she’s sorry.

“Okay,” I break in. “We’re changing this up. She’ll have my room.”

Helena’s grip on the countertop loosens as she turns to me. “Oh no, you don’t.” She returns to the receptionist again, shaking her head. “I don’t want his room.” She tucks her hair behind an ear and bends to her oversized purse on the floor.

I eliminate the distance between us. “Helena. Wait.”

She does, eyes round.

“How many beds are there in three-oh-seven?” I ask the receptionist.

The girl tells me there’s only one but that it’s big. Clearly, she’s onto my idea.

“Can we have some extra sheets and pillows sent up, maybe a few extra towels?” I ask.

“Victor, no…” From Helena’s tone she’s more surprised than against my idea.

"This book plastered a smile on my face from page one and it remained there long after 'The End'. It took me to a place of princesses and ball gowns and fairy tales and castles, and the girly-girl in me was absolutely in love." ~ Deedles

"OMG, what a fantastic story and I could not put it down. This was my first book by this amazing author and it will not be my last. [...] This story will hit all your emotion buttons and keep you wanting more. This is a must read, so do yourself a favor and download this book." ~ Rhonda

"I would read Sunniva Dee’s summary of a takeout menu. The woman can write, so when I had the opportunity to check out this latest gem, of course I couldn’t wait to dive in. I immediately lost my heart to this modern fairytale that had all the heat, realism, and passion of her other works." ~ Alyson Santos

"I actually held my breath at one point in Dee’s story. I was so worried about the outcome. But of course, the worry was for naught. How this story ends is more than wonderful. It really is a modern day fairy tale. The Fighter and the Baroness will have readers believing in the power of love and justice." ~ Amazon Customer

"This book is PHENOMENAL. Absolutely my favorite Sunniva book so far. The writing is simply amazing! A beautiful fairytale in a contemporary-romance setting." ~ Lauren (Romance Novel Giveaways)

About the Author

Between studies, teaching, and advising, Sunniva has spent her entire adult life in a college environment. Most of her novels are new adult romance geared toward smart, passionate readers with a love for eclectic language and engaging their brain as well as their heart while reading.

Born in the Land of the Midnight Sun, the author spent her early twenties making the world her playground: Southern Europe (Spain, Italy, Greece), Argentina (Buenos Aires, in particular). The United States finally kept her interest, and after half a decade in Los Angeles, she now lounges in the beautiful city of Savannah.

This author is the happiest when her characters let their emotions run off with them, shaping her stories in ways she never foresaw. She loves bad-boys and good-boys run amok, and like in real life, her goal is to keep the reader on her toes until the end of each story.

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